Unusual Boy Names

Surname from a landscape feature, associated with author Gore Vidal and Bill Clinton's Vice President Al Gore. Its alternative meaning - as in gory - may explain why it's never made it into the charts.

Ferenc is well used in Hungary, where it has the intriguing nickname Ferko, it has been associated with the playwright Molnar.

Attractive Middle Eastern choice.

Hungarian form of Casimir

Stronger and fresher than the original, though it may provoke the question, "Got a light?"

Damarion is a modern masculine name that has gained modest popularity in recent decades, particularly in the United States. It appears to be a creative variation of names like Damian, Damario, or Damar, possibly influenced by the popular suffix '-arion' found in names like Demarion and Jamarion. The name has a rhythmic, contemporary sound that appeals to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. While it doesn't have ancient historical roots, Damarion has established itself as part of the trend toward melodic, multi-syllabic boys' names. It carries a strong, confident quality while remaining approachable, often associated with attributes like strength and individuality.

Elbridge is an uncommon last name used as first. It sounds rather forbidding, but Bridge would be a cute, modern nickname.

The name of five men and one woman in the Bible, this name has so far escaped much notice but its similarity to popular choices such as Michael and Michaela/Mikayla, along with the long-running penchant for Old Testament names, may propel it to prominence. Also spelled Micaiah.

A name with considerable history, as the celebrated sultan of Egypt and Syria in the time of the Crusades.

Fervent fans of The Catcher in the Rye might want to consider this as a literary tribute. More mainstream alternative: Holden.

Much more niche and obviously Germanic than its anglicised cousins Everard and Everett, but with the same strong meaning. Eberhard is hardly ever used in the US - it's only made the charts once so far, back in 1918.

Modern way to honor an ancestral Hugh.

Actor Rhames's imaginative shortening of the prosaic Irving, giving it new life and energy.

Mythical, yet limp.

A biblical name that was used in colonial times, but which has an unpleasant sound to the modern ear.

A spelling that would definitely attract a lot of attention -- and a certain amount of confusion as well.

Bingham is the unusual surname name chosen by Kate Hudson and Matt Bellamy for their son. It was Bellamy's mother's maiden name, and the nickname Bing, coincidentally, belongs to almost-stepfather Kurt Russell's dad. We haven't heard Bing since crooner Crosby, but it does have a lot of zing.

Virtually never heard in this country, with a quirky quality.

An alluring Russian variant of Nicodemus, Nikodim has an attractive sound and could be a unique full name for the cool nickname Niko.

Deward is a masculine name of Old English origin, derived from 'deor' meaning 'dear, beloved' and 'weard' meaning 'guardian' or 'protector.' Historically, it developed both as a given name and surname, conveying the honorable meaning of 'beloved guardian.' The name has medieval roots but became relatively uncommon after the Middle Ages. Deward has a dignified, traditional quality with its strong consonants and meaningful etymology. In the United States, it saw modest usage in the early 20th century but remains rare today. The name might appeal to parents seeking an uncommon traditional name with a clear, positive meaning and historical depth.